Great British Bake Off and in your tracky bottoms by 7pm - what’s your idea of a perfect night in?

Young woman using remote to change the TV channels at home

Published:17:16Updated:17:41Thursday 01 October 2015

Getting away from work by 5.30pm, unwinding with a cup of tea and some chocolate and being in tracksuit bottoms by 7.10pm is the onset of the perfect night in, according to new research.

The study of 2,000 adults sought to determine the formula for a perfect night in after results showed Brits are opting to hibernate in front of the telly for up to five nights a week after the clocks go back.

Shockingly, more than half of those in a relationship would have the place to themselves rather than the company of their partner if they were to truly enjoy a relaxing night in.

The ‘perfect’ night in would involve 26 minutes of gossip on the phone followed by an easy dinner on the sofa.

From 8pm all calls are ignored to fit in at least two and a half hours of television or film – deemed the right amount for a good night, with Great British Bake Off the most popular, followed by Game of Thrones.

The research, which was commissioned by Yale to mark the launch of National Home Security Month, which runs throughout October has found our ideal evening also sees five websites visited, three articles read online and 10 pages of a book or magazine digested.

Feeling safe and secure in the home and being tucked up in bed by 10.52pm was also seen as essential to the ideal evening in.

A spokesman for headline sponsor Yale, said: “As the winter draws closer thoughts turn to staying warm and making the most of cosy evenings in.

“Being able to fully switch off from work and enjoy some real home comforts clearly sets the tone, while a little social media and catch-ups with friends and family are key.

“But the biggest source of relaxation seems to be shutting out the outside world and enjoying great entertainment from the sofa with our favourite food and drinks. It’s a small but important thing for people to be able to relax and enjoy their homes, but for many it’s not always easy to get time to do it properly.”

A quick getaway from work proved crucial to the positive mind set needed to kick off a relaxing night, while changing out of work clothes is the first thing to do when stepping in the door -just three per cent of respondents opt to jump into a onesie, with pyjamas followed by tracksuit bottoms the best fit for most.

Then it’s kettle on and a cup of tea deemed the best drink for a perfect night in, trumping both red and white wine and coffee.

A quick check of Facebook and browsing of five favourite sites, followed by three articles online sets the tone for switching off the work worries.

And while not heavy readers, flicking through 10 pages of a magazine or finishing the chapter of the book you’re on really ends all thoughts of the day.

Next is a phone call – either to mum or a best friend to catch up on any gossip and 26 minutes was deemed the right length for a quality catch up without eating into the night.

By 7.10pm thoughts turn to getting settled on the sofa and food should be ordered – Chinese takeaway was the most popular, followed by Indian.

A required two and a half hours of screen entertainment follow next with Great British Bake Off or Game of Thrones the preferred choice, and if opting for a film then comedy or action is best.

The ideal snacks to accompany the TV binge are crisps, followed by Dairy Milk chocolate, Pringles and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

Well rested and relaxed, sleepy Brits wander off to bed by 10.52pm to get a good sleep and be fit and firing for the next day.

At this point eight in ten Brits undertake a routine check of the home to ensure all secure, with 57 per cent doing this every single night before heading off for a sound sleep.